This course starts with a survey of the major political theories of the Enlightenment: Utilitarianism, Marxism, and the social contract tradition. In each case we begin with a look of classical formulations, locating them in historical context, but then shift to the contemporary debates as they relate to politics today.

Next, we turn to the rejection of Enlightenment political thinking, again exploring both classical and contemporary formulations. The last part of the course deals with the nature of, and justifications for, democratic politics, and their relations to Enlightenment and Anti-Enlightenment political thinking.

In addition to exploring theoretical differences among the various authors discussed, considerable attention is devoted to the practical implications of their competing arguments. The course will explore the emergence of human rights and their importance in the contemporary world. The course will also address the transcendence of human rights to the international level.

Learning Outcomes

Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:

> Understand the evolution of modern societies.

> The evolution of Human rights.

> The emergence of international law

> The importance of human rights in international relations

Assessment Criterion

          Mid Term                                                                                                                  30 Marks

          Sessional (Assignment, Presentation, Class participation, Attendence)                         20 Marks

          Final Term                                                                                                                50 Marks

Course Contents:

The Eichman Problem

Lock's first treatise

Lock's second treatise

Thomas Hobbes and human rights

Bentham and utilitarian principle 

John Stuart Mill and Human Rights

Marx's communist manifesto

Theory of surplus-value

Thomas Hobbes and consent

Rawl's theory of justice

The federalist papers

Rise of human rights to the international level

Is international law is really a law?

UN and formation of international law

Universal declaration of human rights

International covenant on economic, social and cultural rights

Women's international human rights

Recommended Books:

> Eichman in Jerusalem by Hannah Arendt

> Leviathan by Thomas Hobbes

> Communist Manifesto by Marx and Engles

> Universal Human rights in Theory and practice by Jack Donnelly